Heads up.  The lake level has been dropped for dam maintenance.  The linked video says 50 feet and that the maintenance will continue through September.  The view is still spectacular, but recognize that the banks are exposed accordingly.  It also impacted the waterflow downstream when you drive past.

I think it's a toss-up between the view of the lake and steep valley versus the falls. It's surprising the falls and its narrow gorge don't get higher billing in the title and description.

I walked 3/4 miles doing both the overlook loop and out-and-back to the falls (both sides of the bridge).  On this misty, cloudy Tuesday at 11:30 am there were 3 cars in the lot that looks like it holds 23 cars + 2 handicap spots. There's more parking on the other side of the bridge obstensibly for trucks and cars with trailers.

I think many people miss the dirt trail that begins at the last paved overlook. It might look like an unofficial path circling around the overlook but you can see it continue further like a maintained trail through the trees.  Both the paved portion, with a couple overlooks, and the treed trail are pleasant.

The downstream side of the bridge looks down a LONG ways to the creek below!  The pedestrian sides of the bridge are grilled so be sure not to drop anything small.

This isn't your last toilet break.  Further on there's the Diablo Lake Overlook, various campgrounds, and at several trailheads.

Semi-busy. I've always passed by this location without ever stopping to really check it out. It's a pretty neat little hiking area- best done to either add some milage to some of the hikes accomplished in the area or for just a leg stretcher during a long drive to the East side or heading back home. 

Being out on the bridge was quite impressive and will test your fear of heights. 

Once again five hikes in one day. This is my second one. Yes they are short ones but never less they are beautiful. This trail is ADA accessible for a short section to the view points. All black top. There is an extended gravel trail that makes a loop that is not accessible. This is a nice pull off spot to stretch your legs and use the bathroom. Don't miss the large waterfall along the road and the large cascading one across the street in the middle of the metal Road Bridge. Lots of smoke due to Easy Fire. Checkout the video of this hike by clicking on the link below or checkout my Vimeo Channel below for hundreds of other hikes in Washington State and beyond. As always get out and see this beautiful state and enjoy your hiking!

Take Care,

Mike

This is always a favorite leg-stretcher for us while crossing the North Cascades. The paved path is maybe half the overall length with only a few frost heaves and minimal leaves to deal with. The remainder of the loop is gravel but never steep or exposed.

Mosses are plumped up from autumn rains and the gorge full. A few delicate mushroom (nothing edible) dotted the way. Imagining the early twentieth century workers creating dams in this rustic environment always thrills me.

We stopped later in Newhalem to look for the Goodell Creek trail which heads into the Pickett Range. The trail is scarcely signed but easy enough to find. We didn’t have time to follow it but will another day since we now know where to find it.